Ask Raxus A New Chapter

[Kalique Baize]

Even if Kalique had never been too fond of larger cities or urban places in general, Raxus she had always liked. It had its own beauties and it was the Imperial capital after all and after all the time spent here, she knew all about the most beautiful places around.

There had recently been a lot of change on the horizon as Kalique's rank had been restored, the Empire had won on Dathomir and Jonathen had been transferred to a different department. The time after the intense, traumatizing battle and its fateful aftermath had surely left its traces, but together they had made it through, just like they had promised it themselves.

As an Imperial Knight-Captain, she was often around all across the galaxy, but recently she had been busy with helping with the move and all the rest that still had to be planned and managed in terms of their new headquarter and also, the Squires had kept her here for quite some time, so that on the plus side she had definitely gotten to spend more time with Jon.

Apart from the quality time, they had also done a lot of planning and today they had finally received some appointments to visit the apartments they had picked. Kalique was as excited as she was happy and couldn't wait what they all looked like in real life and who knew, maybe they'd even settle on one option today.

First on their list was indeed their preferred apartment so far and so she was especially curious about this one, so after she had grabbed her handbag from the cupboard in her own flat, she turned to Jon who was already with her in her old apartment right now. "Are you ready?" she asked, beaming up at him was genuine excitement bleeding into her voice. They'd have to take her speeder as the first location was a bit off the center, but it still wouldn't be a long ride.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Some wounds took longer to heal than others, and some never quite healed, but Jon had taken many steps away from the dark ledge he had been on in the weeks after Dathomir. There were still rough nights and lingering haunting nightmares, but he was pushing through.

Today they had finally narrowed their search to a few of the best options for them and had made appointments to view them in person. He had been up since before sunrise, went to the gym, showered, and returned with coffee from the shop down the street. He walked back in the apartment as she was finishing getting ready. He wore pretty casual clothes glad to be free of the uniform for at least a day.

He handed her a cup as she turned around. "Ready." he smiled back. "About this first place, though, you really think you would want to live that far away?" he asked, taking a sip from his own cup. It was in a great area, and the place looked perfect, but he wasn't convinced about the commute. Regardless, he was sure they would find something that was great for both of them.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

"Ohh thank you very much" as her gaze fell upon the cup, her warm smile widened. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, actually grateful about the cute gesture before they headed to the door, starting to discuss what information they had so far.

"Actually, I don't know yet" she mused, moving out and taking his hand. "The distance might help to recenter after work...but yes, the commute could be annoying. It's not that far off from your department and the new Knights' compound is also rather reachable". As the castle was no longer their place to be, the new headquarters was also a little more off Raxus' center.

"The gym and your favorite restauran will be further away..." she sighed dramatically at the latter part before she couldn't help but to chuckle. Not being able to walk to their favorite gym she would miss, but his restaurants, no, absolutely not.

"Let's see what we say after getting there for the first time" she then added, giving him a happy smile. She was really thrilled about that and couldn't wait to check out the first places. They had three on the list for today in total, sl maybe at the end of the day they'd even be further.

They were soon at her speeder, and knowing that he enjoyed driving, she offered him the keys. Regardless of who drove, they'd then be on direct course to the first adress. "The first one does have a park nearby for running...and you can reach the forest that leads to our new headquarter" she kept on musing, before another thought crossed her mind.

"Oh did I tell you that we might have Imperial Commanders in charge of keeping the premises secure?" she curiously asked him, glancing over. It wasn't decided yet, but maybe he knew more. "I had a long conversation with Varyn and we agreed on how this would help building up actual trust between the military and the Knights", she then continued to explain, making conversation.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He gave a thoughtful shrug. She had a point; maybe it would be good to distance themselves from everything. He wasn't ready to talk about the loss of his gym. None of the places were particularly close to it; each way he put it, he would have to find a new one. It was definitely worth the sacrifice, but he still had feelings about it. "Yes, I noticed your picks were pointedly away from that area," he said, squinting his eyes suspiciously before chuckling.

They were in the speeder within a few minutes and off to their first appointment. He would have preferred to live somewhere out of the city, but given their roles, it wasn't practical. Maybe after they had retired, a possibility he had thought about for himself quite a bit recently. "I saw that; that's great. It'd be great to have some more green around. The district we are in now is just so...city." he said with a slight disdain in his voice.

He glanced over as she mentioned her work incorporating more IAF personnel into the Imperial Knight's new facility. He reached over a hand and squeezed her leg. "No you didn't, but that sounds great. I am sure it will put those who were still skeptical a bit more at ease," he said. "I am proud of you and the work you are doing," he said honestly. It wasn't always easy hearing the great things she was doing while dealing with his own setbacks. He hadn't found his place again quite yet, but he would have never held that against her. He was extremely proud of her and loved seeing the passion she held for her work. It inspired him to do better.

"It certainly would be good if all the branches of Empire could learn to trust one another, we would be much more efficient." he mused.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

She noticed the hint of sadness that suddenly washed over him and immediately squeezed his hand. "You know the Gym wouldn't be gone. We just couldn't walk...but probably had to drive. Or we just get cardio done by running to it? The way back would surely suck, but we'll find solutions!" she knew how fond he was of the studio and no new one would grow any close to it.

"That was my top priority search criterion. You know I wouldn't keep secrets from you, so there you've got the truth" she couldn't help but to chuckle as she was obviously joking...yet she couldn't deny how it was still a pleasant side effect.

"Ugh I know right. Those urban parts are annoying. But the neighborhood is much quieter and less busy" she assured him, glancing back to him with a smile. It was at least a compromise as they had to stay somewhat close in case of emergencies and whatsoevers.

"Exactly. That's what we're hoping for though. The beginning might be rough but it will be the foundation for further, closer and better collaborations". She knew it still wasn't easy for him now that he had been transferred, but she was more than confident that he'd adjust quickly. Also, they were finally seeing each other more regularly and whenever they weren't working and the quality time seemed to help him cope.

"Thank you...that's very sweet of you". She took his hand and kissed the back of it before she checked their time of arrival. Two minutes. "Absolutely. It will take years to build up trust, but it will be worth it", she happily replied, her excitement growing as they got closer.

"Ohh nice. It's already back there". It really was less urban like and the building was relatively modern with wide, open windows and her excitement just kept building. "Well...I guess here goes the first try then" she said as they parked the speeder.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He listened to explain the foundations of their plans. It truly was excellent work, something that needed to be done. He wanted to be as optimistic about it as she was; in fact, hearing her talk about it, he felt himself picking up some of those feelings. He was still not convinced. Trust took years to build, and it only took one or two bad actors on either side to collapse the whole thing. Regardless of his own pessimism, he supported her wholeheartedly and would do everything in his power as a member of the IAF to foster that relationship.

Jon turned the speeder onto a side street, and they left the busy city street for a quieter neighborhood. A few minutes later, they arrived at a modern-looking building across the street from a large park. He did like the close proximity to the park, nodding approvingly as they came to a stop and climbed out of the speeder. He smiled. "One of these is going to be a good fit, for sure. I have a good feeling about today..." he said, walking up the building beside her. He grabbed a hold of her hand as they made their way inside and towards the appropriate floor.

They were greeted outside the apartment by a relator droid who ushered them inside. They stepped into the apartment, which was much more modern than where Jon was currently staying. It had a very open concept with large windows that ran across the outside of the building. They had an excellent view of the park below and could even see the city's edge and forest beyond in the distance. It was a great apartment, perhaps a little too modern for his tastes. "This is really nice..." he said as he looked around the living room, looking to Kali to get her take on it.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

From the outside, the apartment complex was already a sight to behold, but she wondered whether the pictures they had seen online were accurate. She remembered well how her old flat had been a no-brainer and how she had basically taken the first decent apartment she had seen, but this was completely different.

"You do? Maybe it's the Force giving you a sign about how you're right and we will find something" she replied with a smirk, her thumb soon brushing against the back of his hand. The realtor droid greeted them politely, however sticking to protocol. She wondered how many others had visited the apartment today, but she was relieved they were alone right now.

They were quickly led into the living room and the droid started handing them some details while they were free to look around. The light, open, spacious design, the view and what she already saw of the kitchen looked very convincing. "It is...it even offers enough space to do some actual cooking instead of just squeezing in and preheating stuff", she noted, happy about it.

"Let's check out the bath", she then nodded toward it, soon stepping in and inspecting the room. Here, there was also more than enough space and she was relatively glad about the bathtub, knowing how much a warm, relaxing bath could do wonders after a long, exhausting day.

The droid kept lingering in the living room, so she leaned over and whispered. "So far, I'm impressed...like that's even better and more inviting than I had expected" she admitted. They had good chances to be chosen for the apartment, but maybe it tactically never to hold back with praise a little, so that the droid would add more convincing arguments. "What do you think?".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He gave her a side look at the mention of the Force. He obviously understood she had powers that most people just didn't, but he didn't buy into any of the religious stuff. It all got a little far-fetched for him. "Yeah, I am sure that's it..." he chuckled.

They walked through the kitchen, this kitchen having enough room for both of them to move around simultaneously. "My coffee maker could go right here.." he said, giving her a look. He knew she had been looking at newer, better ones. His was fine! Sometimes you had to hit it to make it work, but that was part of its charm.

He nodded her and followed her into the bathroom, stepping up behind her, hands on her waist as he peered around. "Now this, I could get used to..." he said as they stepped inside. Like everything else in this apartment, it was much nicer and larger than both of theirs currently. "I agree; you don't think it might be a little...too much, though?" he asked quietly. Jon was simplistic, perhaps sometimes too much so. He had gotten better over their time together, but old habits never died easily.

"I mean, its pretty great..." he said, trailing off as the doors opened and another couple came in. "Oh my god.." the woman said. "This place is perfect..we have to get it.." she said in a voice that made Jon's skin crawl. The man looked bored, already on his phone, making some sort of call.

Jon looked to Kali to see what she wanted to do; if this were the apartment, they would likely have to fight for it.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

"Your coffee maker? Hmm...I mean mine is quicker...also I'm not sure whether yours will survive the move. You know how they're prone to terrible accidents during moves?" she was obviously joking, but as she lowered her voice to add some dramatic she tried her best to keep a straight face. Truth was, they could simply keep boths, but she was a little tired of having to argue with his...

"Too much...I see what you mean". Here on Raxus, Kalique usually choose the simple life. Even if she had grown up with luxuries and abundance, she didn't need it. This was a special treat, but it would be a potentially nice upgrade. "After everything that had happened, maybe we deserve this little extraness".

He knew she didn't need it, but if they were to spend a little more time here and as they could afford it, maybe it was just right to go for a little more. "I mean we've just started looking..." and she was suddenly cut of by the shrill voice that sweeped in without any warning.

Her head turned and she met the woman's gaze. Her nails were unpractically long and the fluffy collar of her top reminded her of a bird she had once stopped on Felucia. While the woman was absolutely delighted, her husband, lover or whatsoever seemed fairly disinterested and Kali just quirked a brow at Jon.

Was this their kind of an apartment? The man struck her as some business man whereas she reminded her of some rather obnoxious ladies she had formerly mingled with on Serenno, but as Kalique wasn't sure whether they'd actually take this one, she had an idea to give them more time.

"Just one bathtub...no jets. So this is obviously no Jacuzzi..." she mumbled to Jon, leaning over the bathtub. "Maybe the other one was better". The woman suddenly approached her, rudely squeezing herself inbetween Jon and her, facing Kalique.

"Oh really?!", she peered down as well, before a hint of disdain settled in her features. "Ugh". "I know right? The one in the Eastern district had been much better...". "Eastern? Have you checked on the portal as well? They have better shops in the Eastern district for sure".

Trap set and sprung. "Yeah, absolutely. This is a downgrade. Here" she pulled out her phone, swiped through a few offered and showed her the one she had seen, but obviously not considered. "This place was so lovely...". Her brown eyes settled on the adress and suddenly she pulled back, a slightly devious smirk on her lips. "Oh totally. I don't like this one here either. Maybe we'll go home and think about it. Honey come". She immediately grabbed the man by the shirt and dragged him out.

COLOR=rgb(200, 57, 0)]"Well...problem solved"[/COLOR] Kalique replied with a smirk, wondering whether this had been cheating, but actually, they simply fitted into the Eastern district better and the apartment she had shown her was available after all. "Okay two more questions. A year from now, can you see yourself waking up to this view?" she gestured out of the door, towards the window overlooking the park, "and do you want to check out other apartments first?". The more she thought about it, the better she felt here, but it seemed like she had bought them a little more time.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"Quicker does not mean better." he quickly shot back. In this case, her coffee maker was quicker and better, but that didn't mean he would abandon his without a fight. "Don't put that kind of evil out into the Galaxy.." he joked back. He could always keep his in his office.

He listened as she said they might deserve a little more. He didn't disagree, and it wasn't that bad. "You're right." he said. Maybe he just needed to do a bit better with change. This place was pretty great...

As he waited for Kali's answer, she sprung into action, playing the woman expertly and sending her on a wild bantha chase across the city. Jon stood back, practically shoved out of the way by the other woman. He watched with a knowing smirk as Kali took care of the competition.

"You're bad..." he said affectionately.

He scratched at his beard, moving to the window with the view she was speaking about it. Birds flow over the dense park; people moved through the various walkways through it. The cityscape beyond was beautiful as well. "The view is pretty great..." he said, glancing back. "Well, I would have definitely a few minutes ago; now we have to consider that if we leave, its going to be snatched up before we get back here.." he said.

It was a risk, but not one Jon was overly worried about for himself. Truth be told, he would live in a box if it meant being with her. "This place is great, really great even. Maybe the other places are better, or maybe they aren't..." he said with a shrug.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

After the not-so-friendly couple had departed, Kalique faced him with a smirk. She had been just about to ask him whether this had been evil, but he already 'scolded' her for her doings. "Heeey...she left me no choice. Also, she'll be happier with the Jacuzzi" she defended herself, slightly chuckling before she wrapped an arm around him.

Even of the issue around the coffee machine hadn't been settled, but she was someone beginning to fall in love with this place. Maybe it was the charm of the special situation with this being their first visit but judging from the pictures and specifications of this real estate, they had both liked this one the most...

"I do like it, too...but yes, I'm afraid others will share our views". She glanced up at him, contemplating for a moment before she led him back into the living room. The droid still minded its own business, waiting for them to raise any questions, but they had everything they needed to know for now.

Her gaze wandered towards the balcony that would allow them to eat with a few. For the work they'd have to tackle at home, they'd even have a spare room to fill with desks and paperwork, the living room, kitchen and bathroom were great, but they hadn't yet been in the bedroom.

"Let's see" she led him towards it, still feeling excited about this place, but as they stepped through the doorframe she literally began picturing themselves in it. "You know what...I can see it. There was reason the pictures convinced us at first sight" she said to him, eyes lightening up in excitement. "You have to be honest with yourself...we can wait and gain some more insights on other places...but I'm convinced this place is really great".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"We might have been happier with the Jacuzzi..." he laughed. They moved back through the apartment, giving everything they had seen another look. He nodded in agreement with her; it was clear this place wouldn't last long.

They looked out over the balcony, which was a huge selling point; both of them loved eating outside, and they were high enough to have a spectacular view but not high enough where the wind would be an issue.

He followed her into the bedroom, looking around but paying more attention to her. Her face practically glowed with excitement. She had clearly liked this place from the beginning when she had started looking, and now that they were here? He could tell her feelings were only growing stronger.

She looked up into his eyes, and he glanced around the room once more before looking back at her. He could tell she loved this place, feelings he shared.

"Let's just do it then..." he finally said. "If we know, we know..." he shrugged. "This place is great, and it will be even better once we put in some work and make it our own," he said with a nod. "Yeah?" he asked.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Even if Jonathen seemed less convinced, she could see it in his face. It was more than an upgrade for both of their current living situations, yet it was more modern and luxurious than the places he had usually rented and also the most prestigious one she had rented here on Raxus.

Still, he was happy. The modernity made the place seem a little cool and sober, but with the right twists here and there, she could see how this apartment could actually turn into a home. Their home. The idea still excited her immensely and she was mentally envisioning where to place what, how they could add their own furniture and decorations, what they still definitely needed to buy and so on.

"I'm a little sad for us...now this couple will snatch it" she amusedly added before she leaned against him, letting her gaze wander across the room one last time. "Are you serious?". Now that the words sounded so final, she couldn't help but to smirk again.

"I mean yes! Totally...like absolutely. This is just awesome" beaming up at him, the excitement kept bleeding into her voice. "Let's do it!", still this felt somewhat surreal, but in a good way. Getting up on her tiptoes, she pulled him into an affectionate kiss, her positive emotions almost overflowing before she took his hand into hers again.

"Let's talk to the realtor dro-" right as she spun, the droid walked back in, politely asking, "Is there anything else I can help you with?". She met Jon's gaze again, her green eyes sparkling with joy as she replied, "You could hand us the forms...we'll take the place".

The realtor droid was also happy about having been successful here and it offered the forms they needed to fill out within the next three days without further ado. They were then free to leave, already having gained the clarity that they would be able to move in in the next two weeks after the last arrangements would have been made.

They finished all the businesses upstairs, Kalique took pictures so that they could start planning at home and were guided out again. Once the droid had departed, she flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly for a moment. "I can't believe that was so...quick. I'd say this calls for a celebration though...what do you feel like doing?".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He wrapped an arm around her as she leaned against him. "We will just have to push on, it will be hard, but I know we can do it." he joked about their supposed missed opportunity.

He shrugged when she turned, somewhat shocked towards him. "I mean, I like this place, and its clear you like this place. Truth be told, I don't really care where we live. I just know I want to live with you." he said. He leaned down, returning the kiss. Her happiness was infectious.

The droid made him jump slightly, not realizing it had moved so close to them. The next few minutes were spent finalizing the details of the deal, and they were given a move-in date. They had a busy two weeks ahead of them, figuring out what items they were each bringing and what was being let go of, but the process excited Jon.

The droid left them, and he returned the hug, lifting her off of the ground slightly before sitting her back down. "Yeah, I didn't expect it to be that easy," he said. They had always done things pretty spontaneously, but this was a big step.

"I guess we did have the whole day blocked off for this." he said, arms still wrapped around her. "I think I know something, though it will take me a little bit to get everything together. You mind waiting for just a little bit?" he asked.

He was ready to start this new life with her, but there was one thing they had to settle first...

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Jonathen always had a way of just narrowing words down to what really mattered. It didnt't really matter where and how, he was right. She was incredibly happy to not wander from one apartment to the other anymore, but to really settle down in one place, and it was great to know they had now found their home.

"How very true". After having finished up the official part and after having been escorted out, they still had the rest of the day to do whatever they felt like and she was convinced they find just the right way to spend the precious time off together.

As he gave her a very mytserious answer, she immediately quirked a brow at him. Oh what was he up to know? She studied his features for a moment, as if they'd give away something she could use as a hint, but even if the uncertainty bothered her, she couldn't help but to smirk.

"Sure...although you've made me veeery curious now" she admitted, pulling him into another sweet kiss before she slowly let go og him. "Do you want me to wait right here?". Perhaps he was taking her back first, but there were definetely countless questionsmarks in her mind.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He could tell she would have rather just know what they were doing. While they were both fully capable of spontaneity, they were both planners by necessity. Even just juggling their schedules took a lot of planning. There was also a part of him that knew she liked to be surprised as well.

He smiled as she kissed him again. "Well, then, I guess I shouldn't keep you waiting long.." he said quietly. He laughed at her next question. "No, I don't think you have to wait right here, on the street. Drop me off at my place, and I will catch up to you as soon as I am done," he said.

They got in the speeder and left their soon-to-be home. The conversation was filled with plans of what they were going to do in the new place to make it their own. Jon was pretty handy; having grown up on a farm, you learned your way around tools and building. All of the projects they came up with, he was sure they could do themselves. That genuinely excited him; it was often he got to do those sorts of things.

Soon they arrived at his place. "Call you in a bit?" he asked, looking over to her. "Don't have too much fun without me." he said with a wink before kissing her and jumping out of the speeder.

He set about working quickly; he had a date to plan.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

While Kalique could be patient, this was bothering her a lot...She didn't let him notice just yet just tried to keep a straight face, however there were countless thoughts and scenarios playing out in her head. "Mysterious...but alright. I guess I'll wait in my apartment then and start arranging some stuff".

As she was still rather excited, she figured it wasn't such a bad idea to start organizing stuff already, now that they had the certainty about the move. Also, it would probably keep her distracted enough. "This is mean, you know? Hitting me with a surprise out of nowhere" she said to him after a moment, letting out a dramatic sigh before a smirk found its way back to her lips.

Once they were back at his apartment, she slightly narrowed her eyes as she studied him again. "If it included eating frogs, I might not be too pleased", she clarified once again, obviously to tease about 'their favorite restaurant' before she savored the kiss.

"I'll see you in a bit then I guess. Wait. Do I have to change?". She wore relatively casual clothes right now and was wondering whether she needed something more chic or sporty for whatever he was preparing. "I love you...this is torture, but I'm looking forward to seeing you again in a bit".

He then jumped out and she drove back to her place, actually starting to sort out stuff she wouldn't need anymore. As she was a relatively orderly person, she didn't found much she would have to get rid off, but an actual inventory control in terms of appliances would probably be helpful.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"Perfect." he responded to her plan while she waited. They continued towards the apartment; he laughed when she protested again about the idea. "You like surprises..." he said, glancing at her before returning to the road. "Just relax! You have done so much for me over the last weeks; I just want to do something nice in return," he said with a shrug.

The speeder pulled up to the apartment. He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I am a man of my word, no frogs," he said with a chuckle. "Well, probably no frogs.." he said, looking away.

He was already out of the speeder when she asked if she should change. "You look perfect." he said with a smile. He rounded the speeder to her side. "I love you too." he said warmly before kissing her on the forehead and disappearing.

A couple of hours later, he was pulling up to Kali's apartment, prepared and ready for the rest of their day. He walked inside. "See, that didn't take so long." he said with a grin. "Alright, are you ready to go?" he asked. "I thought it only fair since you have done this to me." he said, pulling out a blindfold. "You will need this." he added, handing it to her.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

The torture grew worse. Yes, he wasn't wrong and as well as he knew her, she was still certain he was aware about how she liked surprises, but at the same time could become a little impatient and over curious then. "I am super excited now...but I'll patiently wait for the kind gentleman to return" she chuckled, once again trying to read him and obtaining subtle details, but there was nothing.

"And probably?! No amphibians in general! You kmow the rules!" she dramatically glared at him, raising a finger in warning before another chuckle escaped her. "But alright...I trust you. See you then!".

Regardless of how busy her own apartment had kept her, her thoughts kept wandering off. He hadn't disclosed anything, but apparently she didn't have to change, so this excluded a few things. She was more than happy to finally seen him back, however after kissing him, the smile immediately dropped.

"Seriously...this is mean" she complained, but obviously she wasn't serious. She let out a sigh facing him again. "Ohhh stop teasing already! Give me at least a hint!" she begged, glancing up at him with wide, emerald eyes, before she slowly turned and allowed him to blindfold her. "If I trip, that on you...I might not forgive you", she kept joking, not even having a single clue about where he was taking her. It was tempting to just tap into the Force, but obviously she didn't.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"That's me...so mean.." he said with a shake of his head. He pondered her next desperate question for a moment. "There will be food..." he offered before moving behind her and tieing on the blindfold.

"You are more coordinated than me, even blindfolded. Also, I will remind you, you did the same thing to me..." he said as he finished securing the cover. "Honestly, I thought about making you wear my trooper helmet with the viewport covered but thought I wouldn't subjugate you to helmet hair today." he joked.

They left the apartment, and as they approached the stairs, "Here." he said, getting in front of her and lifting her onto his back, carrying her down the stairs. "See, nothing to worry about," he said with another chuckle before putting her down once they reached the bottom. He guided her down to the packed speeder.

It wasn't a long drive, but they clearly left the city. Soon the sounds and smells of the city were replaced by the fresh air of nature as they moved further away.

They continued their conversation from earlier, dreaming about the plans they had for their new house. A few minutes later, he pulled the speeder over and turned off the engine. "Alright, wait right here," he said as he climbed out.

A few minutes, he returned and guided her out of the speeder. He had brought them to a cliff that overlooked Raxus in the distance. He had set out a blanket, wine, and picnic basket on the other side of the clearing. He had set up a couple of targets used in shooting practice. "Okay!" he said, untieing the blindfold. "Time for choice! We can eat this incredible and frog-free meal first off, or we can jump straight to settling a long-awaited bet between us," he said, slipping the old Ewok slingshot from his back waistband,. "Which do you want to do first?" he asked expectantly.

@LadyRen​